修改
xiūgǎi
The English verb 'revise' translates to Chinese as 修改 (xiūgǎi).
修改 is a general term used to describe the act of modifying, altering or amending something. In professional or academic settings, it is frequently used when discussing the process of working on a draft, such as a 修改稿 (revised manuscript).
Meaning: to review, alter and amend, especially of written material (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 修改 is composed of two parts: 修 (xiū), which means to repair or mend and 改 (gǎi), which means to change or alter.
Which one should you use?
While 修改 is a general term for any kind of modification, 修订 is more specific and is used when referring to the formal revision of books, laws or official documents.
How does it change in a sentence?
To indicate that a revision has been completed, you can add the aspect particle 了 after the verb to form 修改了 (revised or has revised).
How do you pronounce it?
xiūgǎi
Did you know?
- The character 修 in 修改 also appears in words for 'cultivating' one's character or 'practicing' a religion, suggesting that revising a text is viewed as a form of self-improvement.
- In the context of Chinese calligraphy, 修改 is often avoided because a mistake in ink cannot be 'revised' without ruining the paper, making the act of editing a sign of failure.
- The character 改 is used in the phrase 改天 to politely postpone a meeting to 'some other day' without specifying when.
Examples in context
- 为了考试，我需要花时间复习。In order to prepare for the exam, I need to spend time revising.
- 我必须认真温习这个概念才能理解。I have to diligently revise this concept to understand it.
- 明天有考试，我得复习一下。I have an exam tomorrow, so I need to revise a bit.
- 我们一起温习一下明天要讨论的话题吧！Let's revise together the topics we're going to discuss tomorrow!
- 你需要修改这篇文章。Nǐ xūyào xiūgǎi zhè piān wénzhāng.You need to revise this article.
- 请修改一下这份报告的内容。Qǐng xiūgǎi yīxià zhè fèn bàogào de nèiróng.Please revise the content of this report.
- 老师要求我修改作业。Lǎoshī yāoqiú wǒ xiūgǎi zuòyè.The teacher asked me to revise my homework.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a document in the office.
- 志强 Zhiqiang梓涵，这份计划书需要修改吗？Zǐhán, zhè fèn jìhuàshū xūyào xiūgǎi ma?Zihan, does this business plan need to be revised?
- 梓涵 Zihan是的，我们要修改一些细节。Shì de, wǒmen yào xiūgǎi yīxiē xìjié.Yes, we need to revise some details.
- 志强 Zhiqiang我明天之前可以改好。Wǒ míngtiān zhīqián kěyǐ gǎi hǎo.I can finish the revisions before tomorrow.
- 梓涵 Zihan那太好了，谢谢你。Nà tài hǎo le, xièxiè nǐ.That's great, thank you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “revise” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
